Spiders of the family Mimetidae have long been recognized for their
conspicuous araneophagic feeding ecology (Wiehle 1953; Cutler 1972;
Jackson & Whitehouse 1986; Kloock 2001). They are also notable for
the controversies and conflicting hypotheses concerning their systematic
affinities, with some authors suggesting placement in the superfamily Palpimanoidea (Forster & Platnick 1984; Coddington et al. 2004) or,

alternatively, the superfamily Araneoidea (Schua tt 2000, 2003;
Griswold et al. 2005). There has been no broad taxonomic treatment of
the family since Platnick and Shadab's (1993) revision of the
species of Chile which represented a first modern attempt to delimit the
South American genera. Some additional revisions or taxonomic treatments
have since been published, but remain regional in focus (Thaler et al.
2004; Barrion & Litsinger 1995; Paquin & Duperre 2003). The
Australian fauna has not yet been studied using modern methods of
phylogenetic reconstruction and, as with many other spiders, the
Australian mimetids have had a checkered taxonomic history due in part
to the rareness of specimens in museum collections and the lack of
published studies on ecology and distribution.

The first Australian mimetid - Australomimetus maculosus (Rainbow
1904) - was described from New South Wales and placed, with
reservations, within the cosmopolitan genus Mimetus Hentz 1832 by
Rainbow (1904), who drew on the generic concept outlined by Simon
(1892-1895). Similar species had already been described from New Zealand and placed incorrectly at the family level in taxa such as Linyphia
Latreille 1804 (Linyphiidae) (Urquhart 1891) or alternatively in Mimetus
(Cambridge 1879; Bryant 1935).

Before the rich spider fauna of the Australian mainland began to
attract detailed attention, three mimetids were described from Tasmania
and were also assigned either to Mimetus or Ero C.L. Koch 1836 - the
latter representing the second cosmopolitan genus within the family
(Hickman 1929). These generic designations remained doubtful since the
Australian species did not fit comfortably into Simon's classical
concept of mimetid genera, however, Hickman and other early authors
preferred not to raise new genera. Furthermore, it was obvious that more
undescribed species were still to be found in Tasmania (Hickman 1967).
Although the mimetid fauna of both the Australian mainland, and the
island of Tasmania, appeared to be unusually diverse for such a small
spider family - which currently includes some 160 species (Platnick
2008) - no broad taxonomic treatment of the Australian species was
published until the description of 17 additional species from Queensland
and New South Wales by Heimer (1986). In this study the new genus
Australomimetus Heimer 1986 was raised to accommodate these new species
and 'Mimetus' maculosus from the Australian eastcoast became
the type species (Heimer 1986). The new genus was based solely on a
single, 'absence' character: the lack of a shovel-like
appendage on the dorsal edge of the cymbium whose presence was reported
as characteristic for Mimetus (compare Heimer 1986, fig. 1 with fig.
11). The restrictive nature of this concept became obvious when Heimer
(1989) described some new species as Mimetus, even though these species
are very similar to the type species of Australomimetus in somatic
appearance and genital morphology. Practical problems also arose from
the poor quality of his descriptions and drawings, to the extent that
identifying individual specimens became almost impossible. Even Heimer
himself confused individual species (Harms & Harvey, in press).
Finally, the New Zealand pirate spiders remained in Mimetus, although
the need for revision of the New Zealand fauna was noted, with some
authors suggesting that their current placement is only preliminary
(Forster & Forster 1999).

Recently, the mimetid fauna of Western Australia was investigated
for the first time, both phylogeneticaly and taxonomically (Harms &
Harvey, in press). A cladogram for the Australian species based on
comparative morphology will be presented elsewhere (Harms & Harvey,
in press). A preliminary higher level phylogeny for the whole family and
its generic structure is also being prepared (Harms & Harvey, in
prep.). It now appears that all mimetids from Australia, New Zealand and
New Caledonia do form a monophyletic group which is distinct from
Mimetus and for which the generic name Australomimetus can be applied.
It will also be shown that neither Mimetus nor Ero are native to
Australia or New Zealand and that all species from Australia and New
Zealand currently attributed to one of these supposedly cosmopolitan
genera are in fact misplaced. This also holds true for all species from
Tasmania which are all assigned in the present paper to Australomimetus.

Whilst examining extensive collections of Mimetidae from mainland
Australia, some new records of mimetid species previously only known
from Tasmania were found. Detailed study revealed five Tasmanian species
in total - an increase of two species since Hickman (1929).
Additionally, a new species from Tasmania is described here. This
present revision permits accurate identification of all known Tasmanian
mimetids. We provide the first detailed drawings for all species and
redescribe individual species in cases where the original descriptions
are poor. An identification key is provided, incorporating the generic
transfers proposed here. Distribution maps are also provided and
species-relationships are briefly discussed. The phylogenetic analysis
of Australomimetus will be published elsewhere, as will redescriptions
of some of the species from the Australian mainland (Harms & Harvey,
in press). This present study is intended as a contribution towards
elucidating the rich alpha-diversity of Australian pirate spiders.

METHODS

All specimens were examined and illustrated in 70% ethyl alcohol.
Female genitalia were dissected with a sharp needle and cleared from
surrounding tissue by immersing the dissected structure in a warmed
solution of 10% potassium hydroxide, when necessary. Male palpal organs
were expanded by immersion in 10% potassium hydroxide at room
temperature for several minutes and transferring them back and forth
between KOH and distilled water until the desired expansion took place.
Measurements were taken using a graticule calibrated in millimetres.
Illustrations were produced using a combination of a camera lucida and
photographs taken with a Canon G6[C]. Digital image manipulation was
carried out using Adobe Photoshop 7.0[C]. Text figures were prepared
using CorelDRAW[C] Version 9.0. Maps were generated using ArcView[C]
Version 3.1 after conversion of Excel-files into D-Base IV formats.

Diagnosis.--Species of Australomimetus possess a unique
conformation of the male pedipalp. There is a massive, but simple
sclerite in a distal position (DMS) which serves as a functional
conductor and is often adorned with additional sclerotizations in
medioectal position (MES) (Figs. 5a-c; 8ab, 11c). The cymbium is always
slender and lacks additional sclerotizations or distinct retrolateral
sclerotizations (e.g. Figs. 8a-b). The paracymbium is usually elongate,
wellpronounced and can contain additional lobes or sclerotizations
(Figs. 2d, 11b). Females of the genus have cylindriform gland spigots on
the posterior spinnerets which are enlarged and rotund. They are smooth
and lack any incisions (Fig. 3ab). Males of Australomimetus can be
distinguished from the closely related genera Mimetus and Phobetinus in
lacking a retrolateral extension of the cymbial margin
("shovel") and in possessing a well-pronounced, elongate
paracymbium (compare e.g. Paquin & Duperre 2003, figs. 1946, 1149,
1952 with Figs. 5e-f or 8a-b). Females of Australomimetus can be
distinguished from females of Ero and Mimetus in lacking the conspicuous
incisions on the enlarged and rotund cylindrical gland spigots (Figs.
3a-b). The cylindriform gland spigots in Australomimetus also appear to
be more slender.

Legs: formula I, II, IV, III (rarely I, IV, II, III). Forelegs
relatively long and armed with spines; tibiae and metatarsi with one to
three rows of raptorial spines along the anterior prolateral surfaces,
where long erect spines are interspersed by three or four smaller bent
ones (e.g. Forster & Platnick 1984, fig. 383). Femora I
(retrolateral) and II (prolateral) with a conspicuous longitudinal row
of short conical spines; robust species with a similar, but less
evident, row on retromargin of femur II (Heimer 1986, fig. 19). Tarsal
organ capsulate with round orifice (Griswold et al. 2005). All hairs
serrate, cuticle squamate. Tibiae with two rows of trichobothria (Fig.
8a), metarsi with one trichobothrium in a subapical position and tarsus
without trichobothria. Three claws; accessory claws present.

Opisthosoma: broadly oval to slightly triangular. Cuticle with
strong, but isolated setae (Fig. 1d); humps may be present, but are not
frequent (e.g. Mascord 1970, figs. 65-66). Two booklungs and a single
tracheal spiracle anterior to spinnerets.

Spinnerets: ecribellate, six spinnerets present. Colulus present,
fleshy and adorned with some setae. AS largest and conical. PLS short
and inconspicuous. PMS medium-sized. PLS and PMS with a single
cylindiform gland spigot each (Fig. 3b); cylindriform spigots enlarged,
rotund and smooth without incisions. Triad absent (Figs 3a-b). Anus
adorned with some setae and labellate.

Distribution.--The genus was described first only from Queensland
and New South Wales and was thus accordingly endemic to the Australian
mainland (Heimer 1986, 1989). However, all species of pirate spiders
from Tasmania and New Zealand - currently assigned to either Mimetus or
Ero - will also be referred to this genus (Harms & Harvey, in
press). Three additional species from New Caledonia and Indonesia will
be described elsewhere as Australomimetus and two species from Japan and
China also seem to belong here (Harms, in press). Consequently, a
predominantly Australasian distribution for the taxon must be assumed,
with a distribution range that includes the complete Australian region
but also southeastern Asia. In Asia, species of Australomimetus exist
sympatrically with other genera of Mimetidae: Phobetinus Simon, 1895
(south-eastern Asia and India); Mimetus (worldwide, except Australia and
Antarctica) and Ero (also worldwide except Australia and Antarctica).
The fauna of Asia is therefore exceptionally rich in genera whereas
Australomimetus is the only genus native to the Australian region.

Etymology.--Derived from the Latin audax(=bold, daring). The
type-specimens were collected in webs of Latrodectus hasselti - the red
back spider - where they were found to prey upon the offspring of the
host (Hickman 1929).

Description.--The male is unknown and the female was described by
Hickman (1929, 1967). New drawings of the epigynum are provided since
the originals are poor (Figs. 1a-c).

Affinities.--This species was described by Hickman (1929) within
Mimetus based on 3 female specimens. A holotype was not designated and
generic placement was not justified or discussed.

Only one female could be found in the collection of QVM; the other
females are probably lost. Mimetus audax was not included or even
mentioned in the revision of the Queensland and New South Wales fauna in
which the genus Australomimetus was described (Heimer 1986). However,
the female genital and somatic characters easily allow referal to
Australomimetus. The species is probably a member of a group of rather
robust taxa with a conspicuous whitish folium in a distomedial position
on the opisthosoma (Harms & Harvey, in press). This folium is
frequently present in many species from the Australian eastcoast such as
A. burnetti Heimer 1986, A. harteyensis Heimer 1986, A. raveni Heimer
1986 or A. robustus Heimer 1986 and is also very conspicuous in A.
audax. Females of this group also share strongly sclerotized genitalia
and large genital openings. Adult specimens possess a strongly maculated
integument of the legs.

The position of A. audax within this group seems equivocal, due in
part to the unusual leg formula and the reduction of the epigynal
javelined scape with a broadened ectal tip, which is another prominent
feature of this species group and is highly conspicuous in A. robustus,
A. hartleyensis and A. raveni (e.g., see Heimer 1986: fig. 14). This
scape shows reductive tendencies in several species (e.g. A. mendax) and
is almost completely absent in A. audax. Australomimetus audax is also
very similar to A. mendax new species in somatic appearance and
morphology and both species were probably mixed up by Hickman (1967). On
the one hand, A. audax was included and figured in his guide to the
common spiders of Tasmania although this species is rare and only the
type specimens were known for a long time. On the other hand, A. mendax
is much more common in Tasmania and it seems possible that this species
was initially left undescribed because Hickman didn't recognize
that there are two similar species.

[FIGURE 4 OMITTED]

Distribution.--Australomimetus audax is apparently rare and was
only known from the three specimens described by Hickman (1929) until
another female was found in Victoria. This extends the distribution
range for this species to include the Australian mainland (Fig. 10).

Etymology.--The species was named for the golden colouration of its
eyes, a common feature amongst pirate spiders. The pigment, however,
quickly fades in alcohol.

Diagonsis.--Small species (carapace length 1.2-1.4 mm)
distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following
genitalic characters: tip of the distomedial sclerite in the male
pedipalp convexe in lateral view and without additional sclerotizations,
tegular sperm duct strongly curved (Fig. 2a); cymbium with four or five
slender but strong spines (Figs. 2a-b).

Description.--The species was described by Hickman (1929) and
redescribed by Harms & Harvey (in press). New genital drawings are
provided since the original drawings are poor (Figs. 2a-f).

Variation.--The Tasmanian specimens are slightly to considerably
larger than specimens from Western Australia and Queensland. Colour
patterns are also more conspicuous and the cuticle is darker.
Additionally, the epigynum of the Tasmanian species is often more
strongly sclerotized and somewhat more conspicuous. The basal plate of
the epigynum is hemiquadratic and mostly strongly pronounced. However,
epigyna may vary and care must be taken in species identification
because morphologically similar species exist on the Australian
mainland.

Affinities.--This species clearly belongs to Australomimetus as it
shares in the male the typical conformation of the pedipalp which
includes a slender cymbium without appendages (Fig. 2a), an elongate
paracymbium (Fig. 2d) and the distomedial sclerite (DMS) of the male
pedipalp (Fig. 2a). Adult females possess a single cylindriform gland
spigot on each posterior spinneret which is enlarged, rotund and smooth
without visible incisions (Figs 3a-b).

Within the genus A. aurioculatus belongs to a monophyletic group of
small species with reddish and orange opisthosomal colour spots, a weak
maculation of the integument of the legs and a simple male pedipalp
lacking medioectal sclerites (MES). These species also share a short
cheliceral paturon (Heimer 1986). This group includes species such as A.
triangulosus Heimer, 1986, A. miniatus Heimer 1986 and A. hirsutus
Heimer 1986 as well as an as yet undescribed specis from New Caledonia
(Harms & Harvey, in press).

Distribution and biology.--Australomimetus aurioculatus was
originally described with no other locality than Tasmania. However, the
species shows a wide distributional range and new records are
established for Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and
southern Queensland (Harms & Harvey, in press). Only the Tasmanian
records are considered here (Fig. 4). The species seems to be a habitat
generalist.

Etymology.--This species was named for the conspicuous maculation
of the integument of the legs and carapace.

Diagnosis.--Large species (carapace length 2.9-3.4 mm)
distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following
somatic characters: large body size, cheliceral paturon extremely long
in both sexes, more than eleven times diameter of AME and uniformly
chestnut brown; absence of a serrated, whitish folium on the dorsal side
of the opisthosoma. Males further distinguished from other species by
the presence of 6 tibial trichobothria on the pedipalpal tibia as well
as the shape of the distal sclerite of the male pedipalp (DMS) which is
sickle-shaped and pointed in prolateral view (Fig. 5c).

Opisthosoma: ovoid, without humps, proximally with triad of brown
patches, one medial at petiolar base, other ones mediolateral; a large
brown patch with transverse margins medially; a pale longitudinal line
distally, some grey spots close by; two large grey patches in lateral
view, two grey spots proximal to spinnerets; a whitish folium is absent.
Ventral side with six grey patches, a grey trapezium anterior to
epigastric furrow, a grey square anterior to spinnerets. Spinnerets:
yellow, basal segment of AS lateral brown. Setae reddish.

Variation.--Specimens from Tasmania are considerably larger than
specimens collected from tropical Queensland. The female genitalia are
variable and sometimes strongly sclerotized so that only 2 genital
openings are visible upon a uniform brown medial plate. The medial
posterior prolongation of the epigyne can also be reduced. The
receptacula range from globular to slightly ovoid. A selection of common
epigynal shapes is given in Figs. 6a, c-d. The paracymbium sometimes has
a small ectal hook; the shape of the proximal reinforcement varies
(Figs. 5d-e). However, identification of A. maculosus is easy by virtue
of their massive size. The male pedipalp shows almost no variation and
is diagnostic. The number of trichobothria on the palpal tibia also
seems to be consistent.

Affinities.--Australomimetus maculosus is probably sister to A.
pseudomaculosus (Harms & Harvey, in press). Males of both species
share a similar shape of the distomedial sclerite (DMS) and medioectal
sclerotizations (MES) of the male pedipalp, strong medial spines on the
retromargin of the cymbium as well as six pedipalpal trichobothria. The
species have reduced distomedial colour patterns on the opisthosoma and
are the largest within the genus.

Australomimetus pseudomaculosus apparently does not occur in
Tasmania. Males can be distinguished from A. maculosus by the presence
of a medially elevated cymbium in lateral view (Heimer 1986, fig. 24).
The shape of the female genitalia is also distinct from A. maculosus
(Heimer 1986, fig. 25).

The reduction of opisthosomal colour patterns in adult specimens of
A. maculosus and A. pseudomaculosus must be secondary since juveniles
still possess an inconspicuous, serrated folium. The species are not
closely related to A. daviesanus Heimer 1986 which also has the colour
patterns reduced and shows a somewhat similar pedipalp (e.g. Heimer
1986, fig. 11).

Distribution and biology.--Australomimetus maculosus only occurs in
eastern Australia, but has a wide distribution from Tasmania to tropical
Queensland (Heimer 1986; Harms & Harvey, in press). It is the most
common species in Australian collections. It has also been sampled from
various localities in the North of Tasmania (Fig. 7). Synanthropic
tendencies seem likely because it was frequently collected inside houses
where it prefers dark corners and secluded places. It also occurs in
caves, but such individuals do not show special morphological adoptions
and the entire life cycle may not occur here. Interestingly, neither A.
maculosus nor A. pseudomaculosus have been found in Western Australia.
This may indicate that the species evolved in eastern Australia. The
huge deserts and drylands of the Nullarbor Plain and Northern Territory
may now act as effective barriers that prevent this species from a
westward range extension.

Etymology.--The epithet mendax (=liar) is chosen as an indication
for the somatic similarities to A. audax which may have misled past
arachnologists.

Diagnosis.--Medium-sized species (carapace length 1.9-2.6 mm)
distinguished from other congeners with a creamy, serrated and
triangular folium on the opisthosoma by a combination of the following
genitalic characters: Distomedial sclerite (DMS) hook-shaped, elongate
and with a conical distobasal process (Figs. 8a-b, arrow; also 9c),
Medioectal sclerite (MES) present and with two cusps (Figs. 8a-b); two
prominent patellar spines only; tegular sperm duct slightly curved (Fig.
8a). Females further distinguished from other species by the shape of
the epigynum which has two large depressions and an inconspicuous medial
septum (Figs. 9b-d).

Description.--Male (holotype, QVM 13: 44524): Carapace: pyriform
and pale yellow; pars cephalica with brown triangular figure which
consists of a sharp triangle that reaches the fovea and two lateral
brown lines which are medially interspersed and rather spotted; triangle
with a longitudinal pale stripe which is weakly defined; three pale
colour patches between eyes and fovea, the distal one near fovea and
inconspicuous; four brown spots mediolateral on each side, extended to
short diagonal stripes and partly fused; margin of carapace with a
further spot near base of pars cephalica; pars cephalica with three
longitudinal spinal rows, mediolateral lines oblique and reaching fovea,
medial line straight, all lines merging anterior to fovea; pars
thoracica with two fields of 4-6 spinules in a distomedial position.

Sternum: pale yellow with six lateral patches and chestnut brown;
pointed and not extending between coxae IV.

Opisthosoma: with black pattern near base of petiolus, shaped like
an inverted V. Laterally a black line originates which proceeds
ventrally and frames the ventral side. Lateral sides with whitish
foliae, another distal black line present. Distally a figure consisting
of seven black spots on each side, laterally framed by whitish foliae,
interrupted by a median longitudinal pale line and discontinuous. Dorsal
side with whitish folium, a grey trapezoid figure at base of spinnerets
and a grey patch near the tracheal spiracle present; setae yellow and
strong, not dense. Spinnerets: yellow. ALS basally brown, lateral sides
grey.

Pedipalp: patella with two spines, tibia with 6 trichobothria in 2
dorsal rows.

Epigynum (Figs. 9b-d): subtriangular, sclerotized and pointed; 2
large mediolateral depressions and 2 inconspicuous genital openings in
posterior position to these depressions (Fig. 9d), a pointed, medial
scapus (frequent in other species of the species-group) is almost absent
(Fig. 9b); receptacula ovoid and genital ducts short (Fig. 9e).

Variation.--Some males have four trichobothria on the palpal tibia,
whereas most males have five (Fig. 8a). The colouration is somewhat
variable in males and not all colour patterns are always visible. The
basal lobe ofthe paracymbium is sometimes shorter and not inflected.

Affinities.--This species is easily mistaken for A. audax since the
opisthosomal colour patterns and the overall size are very similar.
However, characters distinguishing the species are easily recognisable.
The leg formula of A. audax is I IV II III; the opisthosoma has a
prominent creamy whitish figure without black margins. The colour
markings on the carapace are distinct. The epigynum is simple and
heavily sclerotized with two simple and large genital openings. The
distal margin of the cheliceral paturon is bidentate. The leg formula of
A. mendax is - by contrast - I II IV III, the opisthosomal colour
marking is less conspicuous and interspersed by black marginal
serrations. The colour markings on the carapace differ and the epigynum
has two large depressions and small genital openings which indicate that
the two species are not even sister taxa.

Indeed, A. mendax is likely the sister-species of A. sydneyensis
Heimer 1986 rather than A. audax (Harms & Harvey, in press). Both A.
mendax and A. sydneyensis share an almost identical pedipalp structure
with a short conical process in a distobasal position (Fig. 8b, arrow;
"MA" in Heimer 1986, fig. 28) and a large hook-shaped
distomedial sclerite ("DMS", Figs. 8a-b). Both species have
two prominent spines on the male pedipalpal patella only whereas most
other species of the genus posess three. Australomimetus mendax differs
from A. sydneyensis in a number of genital features, most noticeably the
shape of the tegular sperm duct which is slightly curved in A. mendax
and strongly curved in A. sydneyensis (compare Fig. 8a with Heimer 1986,
fig. 28 "T"). The conical distobasal process in A. sydneyensis
inflects prolaterally, but is rather straight in A. mendax. The shape of
the medioectal sclerite (MES) also differs. The epigynum of A.
sydneyensis has a distal triangular velum and does not possess the two
depressions (Heimer 1986, figs. 30-31). Australomimetus sydneyensis
cannot be distinguished with confidence from A. mendax using somatic
colour patterns alone.

Distribution.--This species has been collected all over Tasmania
and is the only species which is apparently endemic to the island (Fig.
10). Since its sister-species is found in New South Wales a wider
distribution range, at least for the common ancestor, must be presumed.
The biology of A. mendax remains unknown. The species seems to be
relatively common and was sampled from eucalypt and pine-wood forests
around Launceston. It was also collected in the mountains which may
indicate a preference for temperate, timbered habitats.

Etymology.--The specific epithet refers to the location of the type
series, the island of Tasmania.

Diagnosis.--Small species (carapace length 1.0-1.6 mm)
distinguished from other congeners by the combination of the following
somatic characters: robust appearance and relatively short legs, unsual
leg formula of I IV II III, presence of pronounced broad leg rings,
carapace framed by a broad, darkened lateral line and ovoid rather than
pyriform (Fig. 11a), clypeus higher than diameter of AME tubercle. Males
further distinguished from other species by the presence of a single
spine on the pedipalpal patella as well as the presence of only three
trichobothria on the pedipalpal tibia (Fig. 11c).

Description.--This species was described by Hickman (1929) and
redescribed by Heimer (1986) and Harms & Harvey (in press). We
provide new genital drawings for the Tasmanian population since the
original drawings by Hickman (1929) and Heimer (1986) are poor. The
female genitalia are presented in their known variations.

Variation.--Specimens from Tasmania are dusky in coloration and the
opisthosoma can be almost completely dark. The epigynum of Tasmanian
species is relatively broad and the basal plate hemiquadratic and seldom
tipped (Fig. 12a). The receptacula frequently possess a huge basal lobe
and the receptaculum looks somewhat tripartite (Fig. 12c).

Affinities.--Based on striking similarities in the male pedipalpal
structure such as the presence of a distomedial sclerite (DMS; Fig. 11c)
but also in the female genitalia, this species clearly belongs to
Australomimetus rather than Ero. Also, lines of short conical spines on
femora I and II hypothesized to be autapomorphic for the derived
Mimetinae excluding Ero (Harms & Harvey, in prep.) - are clearly
present (see also Hickman 1929). An undescribed sister-species from
Western Australia which is clearly a member of Australomimetus will be
described in an upcoming paper that addresses the pirate spiders from
Western Australia (Harms & Harvey, in press). The affinities,
however, of these two species within the genus remain somewhat enigmatic
and some unusual morphological features, such as the high clypeus, leg
formula of I IV II III and robust appearance due to its relatively short
legs, might be related to its preference for cursorial habitats.

[FIGURE 12 OMITTED]

[FIGURE 13 OMITTED]

Distribution.--This species is widely distributed over much of
Tasmania through to tropical Queensland, Western Australia and the
Northern Territory. It was also found in New South Wales (Heimer 1986).
The map shown here (Fig. 13) considers Tasmanian records only.

DISCUSSION

Interrelationships of Tasmanian Mimetidae.--Although a cladistic
analysis is required to delimit monophyletic species-groups within the
genus Australomimetus, our findings imply that the Tasmanian species are
not monophyletic as revealed by peculiar and multiple genitalic and
somatic disparities. Australomimetus aurioculatus probably belongs to a
monophyletic group of rather small species in which the distomedial
sclerite (DMS) of the male pedipalp is simple and the medioectal
sclerite (MES) mostly absent. The opisthosomal cuticle is often adorned
with reddish or orange colour spots and the setation of the opisthosomal
integument is rather weak. The majority of species with a similar
somatic and genitalic appearance are found in tropical Queensland,
although two species are also known from Western Australia (Harms &
Harvey, in press). Australomimetus tasmaniensis although of similar size
- does not belong to this group and a similar species from Western
Australia will be described elsewhere. Australomimetus mendax and A.
audax both belong to a third group of rather robust species which share
a conspicuous whitish folium on the dorsal opisthosomal cuticle (Fig.
1d), strong rows of conical spinules on femora I and II, and - in most
species - a javelined scape on the female epigynum (e.g. Heimer 1986,
figs. 13, 14, 30). A detailed study of material deposited in the
Queensland Museum reveals that most of these species are distributed in
tropical Queensland and that the presumed species-group is subject to
ongoing allopatric speciation and radiation. Due to the striking
interspecific similarities but intraspecific variability in genital
morphology this group may present a significant taxonomic challenge.

Biogeography.--Four of the five Tasmanian species are also
distributed on the Australian mainland (Harms & Harvey, in press),
suggesting that the Bass Strait does not effectively prevent
trans-oceanic dispersal in both directions or, alternatively, that the
geological isolation of Tasmania which has lasted for 12,000 to 13,000
years (Sanmartin & Ronquist 2004; Brown & Lomolino 1998) was not
sufficient to allow the formation of new species. Neither possibility
can be definitively ruled out, but from the extremely wide distribution
ranges of some species - extending from the east to the west coast of
the Australian mainland - it would appear that at least the occurrences
of A. aurioculatus and A. tasmaniensis in Tasmania are a secluded relic
of a previously cohesive distribution that extended from northern
Queensland to southern Western Australia. The Tasmanian populations
might have become isolated when Bass and Banks Strait opened, leading to
the formation of Tasmania as an island, and morphological
differentiation of the Tasmanian populations.

The collection records of A. mendax and A. sydneyensis are
interesting in this matter. Of all five Tasmanian mimetid species, only
A. mendax is currently endemic to Tasmania with its putative
sister-species A. sydneyensis from New South Wales found about 900 km
apart. The close morphological similarities between both species suggest
a common ancestor for both species and rather recent allopatric
speciation events. It would be of interest to test the affinities of
both species on a genetic level, using a molecular clock in order to
estimate the the time that the two species diverged and the possible
divergence date.

Variation.--All species described and illustrated throughout this
paper normally exhibit a certain amount of variability in the structures
of the male and female genitalia. Specimens of a single species usually
differ slightly from one another in the shape and sclerotization of the
epigyne, length of the male pediapaplpal tibia, shape of the
paracymbium, DMS and MES but also in the colouration markings of the
opisthosomal cuticle. These variations are normal and some drawings on
variability are given above. Beside these individual variations, we also
found some general modifications which interestingly appear to be
relatively stable amongst the Tasmanian populations of a single species
and set them apart from their counterparts from the Australian mainland.
Tasmanian specimens often differ from mainland Australian specimens in
terms of body size, cuticle sclerotization and shape of the genitalia.
Female Tasmanian specimens often have more strongly sclerotized
receptacula and broader epigyna when compared to specimens of the same
species from the Australian mainland (e.g. compare Figs 12a-b or 12c-d).
The body cuticle of both sexes is often heavily sclerotized, giving the
species a darker appearance in general. Specimens of A. maculosus and A.
tasmaniensis are also significantly larger than their counterparts from
Queensland or New South Wales. Adult specimens of A. maculosus were
found to be about double the size of specimens collected in tropical
Queensland. This might all be due to longer generation cycles and slower
body growth due to lower average temperatures in temperate Tasmania
compared to subtropical or tropical mainland Australia; something which
also holds true for the New Zealand species.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This paper would not have been possible without the support of Lisa
Joy Boutin (QVM) who helped in prompt and generous delivery of loan
material and collected large fractions of the specimens. Robert Raven
& Owen Seeman (QM) kindly allowed the study of types under their
responsibility. Barbara Baehr (QM) is thanked for providing
accommodation for DH during his stay in Brisbane and for sharing wine
and thoughts. Peter Schwendinger (MHNG) kindly loaned the types
designated by Heimer (1986). Volker Framenau (WAM) introduced DH to
ArcVIEW and his help is deeply appreciated. Julianne Waldock (WAM) is
thanked for technical assistance. We are also grateful to Jason Dunlop
(ZMB) for sending a large fraction of the mimetid collection of the ZMB
and Michael Rix (University of Western Australia) for helpful comments
on early drafts of this manuscript. We are further indebted to Daniel J.
Mott (Texas A&M International University) for sending his
unpublished PhD thesis on North-American species. Thomas Bartolomeus
(Freie Universitat Berlin) and Hannelore Hoch (ZMB) kindly supervised
the activities of DH who received funding from the German Academic
Exchange fund (DAAD) (PKZ D/05/ 44196). We would particuarly like to
thank Ingi Agnarsson (University of Akron) and Jeremy Miller (RMNH) for
reviewing the manuscript.

Forster, R.R. & N.I. Platnick. 1984. A review of the archaeid
spiders and their relatives, with notes on the limits of the superfamily
Palpimanoidea (Arachnida, Araneae). Bulletin of the American Museum of
Natural History 178(1):1-106.

Forster, R.R. & L.M. Forster. 1999. Spiders of New Zealand and
their Worldwide Kin. University of Otago Press, Dunedin, New Zealand.